Networking
Do we really need business cards?
I’ve just been sorting through a stack of business cards, neatly filed away in a storage unit and pretty much untouched since I first received them. When I first started my business, the exchange of business cards was a ritual frequently performed at the many networking meetings I attended. Sifting through the collection, the majority…
Read MoreMake your voicemail messages more meaningful
How to make your messages more meaningful and improve communication. When you make a call and get voicemail – don’t just leave a garbled message as you rapidly try to think of something to say. Be prepared. Speak slowly and clearly. If you leave a number repeat it. It’s often difficult to write down a…
Read MoreBad habit: cancelling meetings at short notice
I recently had a meeting cancelled on me at short notice. Usually this isn’t a problem but unfortunately I was already on my way travelling up to London, so only found out when I got there after a two and a half hour journey. Two attendees had phoned at very short notice (two hours before…
Read MoreNetworking Tips: #40 So you want to start a networking group?
Are you thinking about starting up a networking group? Don’t! Not unless you’re prepared to put in the time and effort to make it successful. Many people start a networking group thinking it will give them a ready made audience for their products and services. This is rarely the case. They will see you as…
Read MoreNetworking Tips: #39 Networking types
A light-hearted definition of some of the ‘types’ of people you’re likely to meet at networking events. The wallflower – doesn’t really know anyone and this may be their first time networking. Hides in the corner or skirts around the edge of the room, trying to avoid making eye contact. If you see them invite them…
Read MoreNetworking Tips: #38 Why do you do it?
If you regularly network, have you lost your networking mojo? Do you go along just because you’ve got into the habit or your regular meetings? Think about what you want to get from your networking. All the time and money you put in to your business needs to give you a return – whether that’s…
Read MoreNetworking Tip: #37 What NOT to do
In the last week I’ve had two very clear examples of how NOT to network. Example 1: You accept a connection invite from someone online because they look interesting, they’re in your target group, you know some of the same people, there’s an element of shared interest … The very next communication you receive is…
Read MoreNetworking Tips #36 Does it work?
I often get asked what I get from networking or if it really works. If you’ve read through the rest of the series of networking tips then you’ll already know the answer. Yet I still meet people at networking events who expect to come along to a meeting and gain business – instantly! Not surprisingly…
Read MoreNetworking Tips #35 Keep your eyes and ears open
You never know when you might see or hear a piece of information that might prove useful or open up an opportunity for you or someone you know. This is why it’s important to get out there and talk to people and to keep your eyes open. Not just in a formal business environment but…
Read MoreNetworking Tips #34 Women and networking
Is there a difference in the way that men and women network? Yes, probably. Women are actually pretty good at networking as they’re much more sociable and good at the relationship building aspect to networking but what tends to put them off is the upfront, in your face, sales pitch side of networking. Business networking…
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